Rob Halford Honors Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath with Powerful “War Pigs” Tribute Amid Disappointment Over Sabbath’s Final Show
In a heartfelt and electrifying moment, Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford took to the stage recently to reaffirm his admiration for fellow metal legend Ozzy Osbourne and the mighty Black Sabbath. Performing their iconic anthem “War Pigs”, Halford and his band delivered a spine-tingling tribute that resonated across generations of rock fans.
“We are honored to show our love for Ozzy and Black Sabbath with our tribute to ‘War Pigs’,” Halford declared to a roaring crowd. “It’s a song we’ve played at every show around the world, sung together with fans to amplify their love as well for the legendary Prince of Darkness!!”
The tribute carried extra emotional weight given recent comments by Halford, who revealed that he was “deeply disappointed” to have been excluded from Black Sabbath’s final performance. As a longtime friend and vocal supporter of the Birmingham-based band, Halford expressed his sadness in a candid interview, admitting he “didn’t even know about it until it was too late.”
A Missed Moment in Metal History
Black Sabbath’s farewell show, part of “The End Tour,” took place in 2017 at Birmingham’s NEC Arena — a homecoming moment for the band that changed the course of heavy metal forever. Yet Halford, despite his stature as one of metal’s most respected voices and even stepping in as Sabbath’s live vocalist during Ozzy’s 2004 absence, was not invited to join them on stage for their swan song.
“I would’ve loved to have been there,” Halford said. “Not just as a fan, but as someone who owes a lot to what Sabbath gave all of us. It stings a little that I didn’t even know about it.”
His recent performances of “War Pigs” now seem not just a tribute, but a cathartic release — a message of love and respect, even in the absence of a proper goodbye.
A Global Celebration of Metal Brotherhood
As Judas Priest continue their blistering tour, fans across the globe have witnessed the band pay homage to their heavy metal roots, with “War Pigs” serving as a fan-favorite highlight in their setlist. The song, originally released on Black Sabbath’s 1970 album Paranoid, remains one of the genre’s most potent protest anthems, resonating with themes of corruption, power, and rebellion.
“Every time we sing it, it feels like we’re channeling the spirit of Sabbath,” Halford added. “It’s not just a song—it’s a battle cry that echoes through metal history.”
Judas Priest and Scorpions Unite for Historic Night
While Halford’s tribute rang through fans’ ears, another milestone in rock was simultaneously unfolding. On the very same night as the Villa Park event where Sabbath’s legacy was celebrated by fans in Birmingham, Judas Priest was performing across the continent in Hannover, Germany — sharing the stage with none other than the Scorpions.
The occasion? The Scorpions’ 60thanniversary, marking six decades of unforgettable riffs, soaring vocals, and global rock dominance. Halford described the evening as “an incredible honor,” emphasizing the unique bond shared among rock musicians who have stood the test of time.
“To stand alongside a band like the Scorpions, who’ve inspired millions like we have, is pure magic,” he said. “Tonight isn’t just a show—it’s a celebration of everything we’ve lived for.”
The Unbreakable Legacy of British Steel
Judas Priest, now well into their fifth decade as pioneers of heavy metal, show no signs of slowing down. With Rob Halford’s voice still sharp and commanding, the band continues to electrify audiences with classics like “Breaking the Law,” “Painkiller,” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’.”
But Halford’s recent statements and performances reveal something deeper than music: a man who wears his heart on his sleeve, who reveres the history of his genre, and who knows the value of brotherhood in an industry that doesn’t always honor it.
“Black Sabbath were the beginning,” he said. “Ozzy is the original rebel, the heart of a movement that shook the world. Whether or not I was there that night, I’ll keep singing ‘War Pigs’ as long as there’s breath in my lungs.”
A Message to the Fans
Rob Halford also took a moment to thank fans worldwide who’ve stood by Priest for over 50 years — and who now help him carry the torch for legends like Ozzy and Sabbath.
“You all are the reason we’re still here,” Halford said, his voice cracking slightly with emotion. “When we sing ‘War Pigs’ together, it’s not just a tribute — it’s a sacred bond between us, Sabbath, and the power of metal.”
As the tour rolls on and Judas Priest continues to deliver thunderous performances night after night, one thing is clear: the legacy of Black Sabbath — and the enduring voice of Rob Halford — will never fade.
Not while the War Pigs still march.
